Russel Walder

Russel Walder received classical training and first picked up the oboe at age ten. A Carnegie Hall appearance with the United States Youth Symphony took place when he turned seventeen, after which he accompanied the orchestra on an international tour. Several years later he began lessons with Oregon while also exploring jazz, pop, and world music. During the eighties one of his pieces was included on Windham Hill’s well-known album A Winter’s Solstice, which ultimately sold two million copies. He subsequently recorded twice for the label alongside Ira Stein. Silent State was established by Walder in 1998. The project centered on Middle Eastern harmonics, tribal chant music, and ambient textures, earning notice through a slot at Peter Gabriel’s 1999 Womad Festival. Power Spot followed, placing Walder’s oboe work at the forefront as he merged improvisations with dense synthesized layers. His debut solo album, Pure Joy, appeared on Real Music in 2002.